Sunday, March 28, 2021

ME, GOATS AND PIGS

 Now for the first part of a two day visit to Hatfield, Hertfordshire. It was famous for making De Haviland aircraft and there was a large airfield next to the factory. My father was a regular visitor on the open days.Two De Haviland products, a Tiger Moth and a Rapide are seen here.



The airfield is now built on, with housing and the University of Hertfordshire. Uno was the bus company invented to serve the students and one of their bendibuses is seen at the Galleria, built over the A1 tunnel


Arriva also serves the Galleria. There's a Wetherspoons in there, somewhere, but I haven't visited it yet. 


As we approach the old part of Hatfield, we find this Leyland Olympian of Sovereign, heading for Stevenage in 1989.


Next to the home of Lord and Lady Salisbury, Hatfield House. (Creative Commons License photo)


The extensive gardens of Hatfield House have been host to a number of attractions and events. There have even been visits by traction engines.


For a few years, there was even a miniature railway and I often used to drive the train.


Next door to the railway was a rare breeds farm, open to the public. 



This is Fore Street, in Old Hatfield, around 1925. 


Two pretty decent pubs in the Old Town. The Horse & Groom is one.


Almost opposite is the Eight Bells. Long may these pubs survive.


 

About 200 yards away, facing the railway station, there's the Great Northern.


The next post will take a look at Hatfield's trains and buses, some more pubs, then moving ever onwards.

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